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Hippo
Wall Sculpture Pattern

For Paper Mache

$12

Create a life-like hippo sculpture, wrinkles and all.

You’ll feel like you’re on an African safari every time you see him.

This hippo is easy to make with the downloadable pattern, because it makes all the shapes for you. Just add a layer of paper mache and paint.

Then put him on your wall, and wait for the compliments from your guests. They’ll be amazed when you tell them you made it yourself.

How to Make Your Hippo Wall Sculpture:

Print the pattern pieces, put them on cardboard, and tape them together.

Add foam eyeballs and crumpled foil to make wrinkles.

Add one layer of paper mache or paper mache clay.

Use acrylic paint to bring your hippo to life.

Finished size: About 14 inches (35.56 cm) high, 11 inches (27.94 cm) wide and 5 inches (12.7 cm) deep. If you need a hippo sculpture that’s larger or smaller, just print the PDF at a different size. For a really large hippo, you can use the “poster” setting on your printer, or take the file to your local print shop.

My downloadable PDF Patterns come with full instructions.

There’s no waiting for your pattern to arrive, and no shipping costs, so you can start on your project right away.

Note: If you’ll be saving your pattern to and iPhone or iPad, those devices like to hide your downloaded files. You can scroll down this page to see how to find them.

And remember – if you have any problems downloading your files or putting your pattern together, just let me know. I’m always happy to help.  🙂

$12

Watch the video below to see how the pattern is taped together:

The downloadable pattern also includes screen shots of every piece to show you how to put the pattern together. Just save the pattern to your device so you’ll always have access to it.

After the pattern is taped together can cover it with paper strips and paste or paper mache clay – or use them both, like I did. You can find the paste recipe here, and the recipe for paper mache clay here.

Finishing Your Hippo Sculpture:

In the video below you can see how I finished the hippo you see in the photos above. However, there are a lot of different ways you can do it, and every real hippo looks different – just like people do. Watch the video to get some ideas, and then grab your brushes and get started!

To make this paper mache hippo sculpture you will need:

• Printer
• Copy paper or full-sheet labels
• Glue stick if using copy paper for pattern
• Cardboard from 2 standard-sized cereal boxes
• Pieces of corrugated cardboard from one or more shipping boxes
• Knife and sharp scissors for cutting cardboard
• Tape, both clear plastic tape and masking tape
• 1.5” Styrofoam ball, cut in half
• Aluminum foil
• Glue gun (or use masking tape instead)
• Paper strips and paste or paper mache clay (see first video above)
• Acrylic gesso or latex primer
• Acrylic paint and matte varnish

*You can find recipes for paper mache paste and paper mache clay in the Recipes tab at the top of this site.

$12

Do you have a question or need help with your pattern?

There are two ways to contact me: The fastest way to get an answer is to leave a comment below. I read all comments and answer them as soon as I can, usually within a few hours. One of my readers might also chime in to help – we have a very supportive community here on this site.

If you prefer to reach me privately, you can send me an email.

I get a ton of spam and I don’t want your email to get lost, so please put “paper mache” in the subject line so your email won’t be accidentally deleted. If you don’t hear back from me within 24 hours, assume the cyberspace gremlins ate your email, and try again. 🙂

Hippos Made with This Pattern:

Multiple (first-time) Builds for Elementary School Production

Made by Suzanne Katz

Fiona the Hippo

Made by Dana Lazechko

Harry the Hippo

Made by Yvonne Dean

HAPPY

Made by Peggy Nyberg

Mungo the hippopotamus.

Made by Pauline Seddon

Fiona the Hippo

Made by Kathy Williams

Have You Made a Hippo With This Pattern? We’d love to see it – Click Here to show it off